Posts tagged “accident”

Thought for the day…” Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” (Albert Einstein).

Watching a TV program recently about the 747 Jumbo Jet, and learnt a few interesting things. Originally, the 747 was intended as a temporary aircraft until Boeing had developed its supersonic transport aircraft, but when that project was abandoned then the 747 became the big success story for Boeing. Many years ago I saw this aircraft in Korea, not far from the capital Seoul. It was being used at that time as a restaurant, but it was a mystery how they had got the aircraft into that location, which was surrounded by hills and big apartments. During the TV program, a former Pan Am stewardess was interviewed, and she talked about working on the aircraft in the photo, including what had happened on 30 July 1971. The pilot had miscalculated take-off speeds whilst taking off from San Fransisco bound for Tokyo, and had hit the runway approach lights. These then punctured the aircraft and entered the cabin, seriously injuring 2 passengers. The aircraft was able to land despite losing 3 of its 4 hydraulic systems. The landing was dramatic, including large bounces and a fire from the landing gear, with the aircraft coming to a stop resting on its tail, nose in the air.

Amazingly, despite all the damage, the aircraft was repaired and returned to service, initially with Air Zaire, but later again with Pan Am (but with a new name!). It continued to fly for Pan Am until 1991, then went to Aerolineas Argentina and also Kabo Air Nigeria before finally ending its flying days in 1999. It was then used as a restaurant in Korea until 2010, when it was cut up. Interesting history behind the photo!!